Reykjavik

Monday 27 May – Friday 7 June 2013

The beauty of the Icelandic landscape fascinates hundreds of thousands of visitors every year,yet “Iceland is ecologically the most heavily damaged country in Europe”. 96% of its original forest has been swept away (Diamond, 2005: 197). Since 1907 a unique legislation was passed in order to prevent soil erosion and land degradation. Today after more than a century of great efforts large areas of Iceland have been protected and secured from desertification.

The Icelandic landscape therefore despite looking “natural” is one of the most man-made in the world.

The workshop is designed to examine the relationship between nature and man, between landscape and art, between environment and design. These relationships will be analysed through an interdisciplinary approach: environmental artists, graphic designers, ecologists, illustrators, landscapers, architects will be working together to reconceptualise endangered territories through operational designs, promoting a different perception of land restoration in order to cast new knowledge on these issues. The 10 days workshop is divided in two parts. In the first 3 days it be based in Reykjavik at the Iceland Academy of the Arts: this will constitute a platform to gain knowledge on the matter by meeting the local community of artists and researchers on the field of environment, art and landscape and by conducting important study trips. The remaining 7 days will be spent in a farm just outside Reykjavik. 

Here the students will be testing their designs to the local conditions and together with local land protection specialists, they will be designing and building devices, tools to enhance and yet protect the beauty of the Icelandic landscape.

Applications

All participants travelling from abroad are responsible for securing any visa required. An application can be made by completing the online application form or the PDF application. The deadline for sending applications is 01 May 2013. 

After payment of fees, the AA can provide a letter confirming participation in the workshop. A portfolio or CV is not required, only the online application form and payment.

Students need to come in good warm working clothes as the visiting school involes excursions and working outside.

Fees

The AA Visiting School requires a fee of £695 per participant, which includes a £60 Visiting Membership. If you are already a member, the total fee will be reduced automatically by £60 by the online payment system. 

Fees do not include flights or accommodation, but advice on accommodation options will be given.  Students need to bring their own laptops, digital equipment and model making tools. Please ensure this equipment is covered by your own insurance as the AA takes no responsibility for items lost or stolen at the workshop.

Eligibility 
The workshop is open to architecture and design students and professionals worldwide.